A-Z collagen supplements Articles

Collagen is a very popular natural health supplement, mainly due to its anti-aging benefits. With the many options, shopping for a quality collagen supplement can feel overwhelming. There are many formats and different sources collagen is extracted from. The two most popular sources of collagen are marine and bovine. While both will help with overall collagen enhancement, your health goals are important in selecting the right one. In this article, you will learn what collagen is and the benefits of bovine collagen and how to take it as a supplement.

But First, What is Collagen?

Collagen is a protein that makes up about 30% of the total protein in the human body. It is responsible for giving skin its elasticity and strength, as well as helping to heal wounds and repair muscles. Collagen is also found underneath the skin's surface, in connective tissue, including tendons, cartilage, bones, and teeth.

As you age, your body produces less collagen. In fact, you produce 1% less collagen each year, which contributes to wrinkles on the skin as well as joint pain. Additionally, if you smoke, eat a lot of sugary or refined carbohydrates, or are exposed to excessive amounts of sunlight, you may also be at risk for decreased collagen production. However, not all hope is lost; when the correct type of collagen is taken, these supplements can help boost your body's production.

Types of Collagen

There are three main types of collagen: type I, type II, and type III. Type I is the most abundant form of collagen, making up about 90% of the total amount found in your body. This type is found in the skin and bones, as well as some organs like the kidney and heart. Type II collagen is less common in humans but can be found in cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Type III is found in the skin, lungs, intestinal walls, and the walls of blood vessels. Interestingly, types I and III collagen are usually found together in tissues such as connective tissue.

Therefore, when choosing the best collagen supplement, it's important to choose one that will work well with your natural collagen production. As stated, types I and III are the most abundant in the body, and bovine collagen has been shown to increase both of these types of collagen.

An Introduction to Bovine Collagen

Bovine collagen is the most popular source of collagen supplements on the market today. As the name suggests, it is a natural ingredient that is derived from cow hides. Bovine collagen is a source of Peptan collagen, which is type 1 collagen that offers the beauty and skin benefits most people turn to a collagen supplement for, as well as joint health benefits too.

Benefits of Bovine Collagen

Taking bovine collagen can provide many benefits: 

• Bone health - type I collagen is the main component of bones. This is why supplementing with bovine collagen can help strengthen your bones. Collagen can be used in conjunction with osteoporosis treatments and can also be beneficial for anyone healing from a bone fracture.
• Skin health - the collagen in your skin is primarily composed of types I and III collagen, making bovine collagen a potential anti-aging treatment for wrinkles, elasticity, and moisture.
• Joint health and osteoporosis - bovine collagen provides the amino acids that your body needs to strengthen joints and more. In a study of 30 people with osteoarthritis affecting their knees, those who received 5 grams of bovine collagen each day for 13 weeks experienced improvements in symptoms.

How is Bovine Collagen Made?

Bovine collagen is extracted from cow hides. It is then processed and purified to produce collagen powder.

Majority of bovine collagen supplements are hydrolyzed. Hydrolyzed supplements are broken down into smaller fragments called peptides. The reason for this is that it makes collagen easier to digest and is said to have better bioavailability than non-hydrolyzed collagen. Hydrolyzed collagen has been shown in studies to improve joint health, reduce pain, and have anti-aging benefits.

Bovine Collagen Supplements - Formats, Dose & Precautions

Bovine collagen is a powerful supplement for anyone who wants to improve the health of their joints and skin. People with joint issues including pain, inflammation, injuries, stiffness, and/or swelling, and those who want youthful skin can all benefit from bovine collagen. 

Formats and Dosages

Bovine collagen can be bought in capsule, tablet, or powder form. The dosage depends on the age, weight, and health condition of the person who will consume it.

Generally, a beneficial dose of collagen is 600–1200 milligrams (or 6–12 grams) per day.

Precautions and Safety

It is important to point out that bovine collagen is completely safe and healthy. Collagen is considered a food supplement that can be found as an individual supplement or in combination formulas.

As with any other product containing an animal-based product (such as gelatin), people who are allergic to bovine products may experience reactions if they use this product regularly. However, there have been no reported cases of adverse reactions associated with taking bovine collagen for cosmetic purposes or general health benefits. Therefore, this ingredient does not pose any significant health risks when used appropriately by otherwise healthy people.

Peptan Collagen is a Superior Raw Material

Peptan collagen is a superior raw material. It's derived from the bones and cartilage of grass-fed cows and contains more than 70% peptides. Peptides are small chains of amino acids that can be easily absorbed by your body. The body converts these small chains into larger, functional proteins in the presence of water. This makes it easier for your body to use this substance than other forms of collagen (such as gelatin).

In addition to its unique structure, Peptan collagen is produced using a patented process. This process allows it to maintain its integrity while being processed into powder form. Which means you'll receive all the benefits of this superior raw material without having to worry about any fillers or additives.

If you'd like to continue learning about collagen from National Nutrition and natural health experts, check out this video on our Youtube channel along with many other natural supplement reviews.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707681/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24852756/ 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4057461/

Collagen is one of the major proteins found in the soft tissue and connective tissue of humans and other mammals. As a supplement, it acts as a source of amino acids for use in making and repairing connective tissue all over the body. Thus this protein is used to repair skin that is damaged by wounds and burns, and it can also help to support healthy cartilage, ligaments and tendons in the body. Natural health practitioners commonly recommend collagen supplementation for joint injury, arthritis, joint inflammation, skin ulcers, burns, wounds, as well as joint strains and sprains.

Top Health Benefits of Collagen Supplements

Cartilage and Joint Support

Cartilage is the connective tissue pad that acts as a cushion and eliminates friction in your joints. It is the cushion in your knees, and other large joints, and it forms the pads that space each vertebra to help protect the spinal cord. Wear-and-tear injuries occur in the joints and cause less support, less cushioning and more friction. Breakdown of cartilage is responsible for erosive conditions, such as osteoarthritis. Interestingly, the presence of the stress hormone cortisol in the blood promotes the breakdown of collagen into its amino acid building blocks.

Skin Benefits

Collagen is one of the main building blocks of the skin. The structure of this protein actually draws water into the tissues, resulting in firm, plump, youthful skin. Thus, a lack of sufficient cartilage can result in wrinkles and sagging of skin associated with aging. Collagen is often added to skin care products for topical application against wrinkles and age spots. In addition to keeping our youthful glow, the presence of this protein may help skin ulcers by repairing the skin and increasing the integrity of the arteries and veins. Because collagen provides the building blocks for skin repair, it can speed the healing of most wounds.

Different Types of Collagen: An Intricate Balance

There are a large number of collagen types in the body, referred to in the health industry by roman numeral. Four of these are the main ones used to form our tissues and organs.

Type I & III

Type I collagen is the type found in over 90% of the body. It is found in skin, tendon, vascular ligature, organs, bone, and scar tissue. In fact, collagen type I is the main organic component of the bone. Type III collagen is commonly found alongside type I in the human body. These types of collagen can also be used to provide the building blocks to help repair damaged ligaments and tendons.

Type II

Over 50% of cartilage protein is made of type II. This type is also commonly called hyaline cartilage. Cartilage is the tissue that eliminates friction in your joints. Because of this, type II collagen is often used as a supplement to provide the building blocks for the protection and repair of cartilage in the body. This allows it to be used to help treat wear-and-tear injuries, and erosive joint conditions like osteoarthritis.

Type IV

This particular type is found in the body's tissues and actually forms the vast majority of the basement membrane. This means that it forms the main connections between the bases of the cells of the tissues. This allows type IV collagen to support proper healing of wounds.

Important Information When Shopping For Collagen Supplements

Various types of this protein can be found as encapsulated powder or liquid. They are usually combined with other joint repairing nutrients and vitamins. Sometimes cartilage is directly supplemented to be a source of collagen, particularly type II. When found individually, type II collagen is found as a component of pain relieving and anti-inflammatory formulas. It is often added to anti-aging skin care products. Type I & III are also available and should be used after good results are found with type II to further rebuild damaged joints or tissue. Depending on the severity of joint destruction collagen may need to be taken for a few months before results are seen.

While collagen is a well known as a supplement, it is found in ample supply in your skin and connective tissues. What makes marine collagen supplements so popular is that, as you age, your natura production depletes. Because collagen helps keep joints strong and flexible and your skin supple and radiant by boosting elastin, many people turn to a high-quality collagen supplement.

Collagen contains amino acids that play a key role in your immune system, protein synthesis (growth), wound healing, and hair growth. But did you know there are several types of collagen? In this article, we will explore one of the most popular types of collagen: marine collagen.

Types of Collagen

Marine collagen is a source of types I and II. Type I is the most abundant in the human body. It's mainly found in bones, tendons, and cartilage, while type II is found in skin and connective tissue.

Marine collagen is broken down by the body into its component amino acids, which are then absorbed and utilized by the body. While it contains 18 amino acids, it also contains high levels of the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. However, it's important to note that marine collagen contains only eight out of the nine essential amino acids; therefore, it's not considered a complete protein.

The Role of Collagen in the Body

Collagen is a type of protein, and the main components of collagen are amino acids and minerals. These are the building blocks for healthy skin, hair, joints, and bones. Collagen is also found in your tendons and ligaments, which support your bones when you move around.

Marine Collagen Benefits

This form of collagen can help improve skin dryness, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, boost the immune system, and even strengthen tendons and joints. The benefits of this supplement have been backed up by several studies. The following are the researched advantages of taking a marine collagen supplement:

Skin health: As the most abundant protein in your body, collagen helps to give structure and hydration to the skin. Collagen helps create a firm foundation for healthy-looking skin tone and promotes elasticity. In one study, women who took a supplement containing hydrolyzed type I collagen derived from tilapia showed fewer wrinkles and improved moisture retention in their skin compared to those who took a placebo.

Joint health: Consumption of marine collagen can help your body produce this protein, which can lead to improved joint support as well as relief from joint pain caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis when used regularly over time.

Gut health: Glycine and glutamine are two amino acids found in marine collagen that may be beneficial to gut health. Both play a role in supporting the tissue that lines the digestive tract. Glycine can help to reduce inflammation, making it helpful for managing inflammatory gut conditions, while glutamine is necessary for the health of enterocytes (epithelial cells) that line the gastrointestinal tract.

How is Marine Collagen Made?

Marine collagen is a type of protein that comes from fish and other marine animals. It's extracted from the collagenous connective tissue found in their skin, bones, cartilage, and fins. Often, the fish scales used for marine collagen are by-products of the fishing industry, making most of these products a sustainable choice. When shopping for marine collagen, look for a supplement made from deep-sea wild fish that are sustainably farmed.

Once harvested, the collagen is extracted and purified before being processed into a powder for easy consumption.

The best collagen supplement will be hydrolyzed, and the same goes for marine collagen. Hydrolyzed is superior because it means the collagen peptides are broken down into small pieces that are easier to digest. The more easily digested this supplement is, the better it works in your body. The hydrolysis process also makes your collagen easier to mix into beverages.

Marine Collagen Formats and Dosages

There are several formats of marine collagen to choose from, including capsules, tablets, and powder. The most common form is powder, which can be mixed into a drink or food like any other supplement. As for dosage, look for products containing 6 to 12 grams of collagen, as this is the dose range that has been shown to provide the most benefit.

The best way to know if marine collagen is right for you is to start with a small amount and see how your body reacts. Then gradually increase the dosage until you feel results that meet your standards for relief or improvement in your health condition(s).

Precautions and Side Effects

There are no precautions required with marine collagen. This supplement is safe for most people and will not react with medications. However, anyone who is allergic to fish or shellfish should avoid taking marine collagen.

Marine collagen is a great alternative to other types of collagen. It's a protein that you can use as part of your diet to improve your health as well as take advantage of its anti-aging properties. The benefits include: improved skin elasticity and hydration, stronger bones and joints, reducing inflammation throughout the body (including joint pain), increased energy levels due to increased blood flow wherever there are capillaries (i.e., throughout organs like the kidneys or liver), and lowered cholesterol levels by aiding in detoxification processes within liver cells themselves.

References

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25660807/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30681787/ 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4206255/